Spring Cleaning for Pet Parents

Tag Archives: pet care tips

Spring is finally here! As we leave another winter behind, many people are rolling up their sleeves and getting some spring cleaning done. Don’t forget about your pet’s things! A local Fort Collins, CO vet offers some spring cleaning tips for pet owners in this article.

Bedding

Wash your four-legged buddy’s bedding, and inspect it for tears and rips. We recommend using hot water and unscented detergent. Beds that can’t go in the wash can be vacuumed.

Toys

Inspect your furry friend’s playthings, and toss out anything that is worn or ripped. Toys that are still in decent condition can be given a good cleaning. To clean a rope toy, remove metal parts, soak it in water, and pop it in the microwave for about a minute. Stuffed animals can be washed in the washing machine. Use unscented detergent and the hottest wash and dry cycles you have. Plastic and rubber toys, such as Kong toys, can be cleaned in the dishwasher. Use the hot setting, and skip the soap. The water and steam will do the trick. Check care instructions for other toys.

Perishables

Go through your pet’s food, treats, and medicine, and get rid of anything that is no longer good. Don’t forget to check expiration dates! If you store your furry pal’s food in a specific container, such as a pitcher or storage tote, give that a good cleaning as well.

Grooming

Many animals shed heavily at this time of year, as they lose their winter fur. We recommend brushing your pet daily during peak shedding times. If you have a dog, bring Fido outdoors for his beauty sessions in warm weather. That way, the fur will just blow away.

Household

We recommend vacuuming regularly, especially during shedding season. This is also a good time to change your air filter. If you need to remove pet fur from your clothing or upholstery, try using a squeegee, rubber dish glove, or a damp sponge. You may also want to put some removable slipcovers on your furniture, at least until shedding season winds down.

Veterinary Care

Fleas and ticks will follow soon behind the spring thaw. Make sure that your four-legged pal is current on their vaccines, exams, and parasite control products!

Has your little one been begging for a puppy or kitten? Are you debating on whether your child is ready for a pet? This can be a tricky dilemma for parents! Here, a Fort Collins, CO vet discusses choosing your child’s first pet.

Is Your Child Ready?

Children all mature differently, so there really is no set age when it becomes appropriate for them to get their first pet. That said, we really don’t recommend getting pets for children that are younger than five. How do you know if your youngster is ready? Doing chores or homework without being reminded is a good indication of maturity. It’s also very important that your little one treat animals with kindness and compassion.

Benefits Of Having Pets

Did you know that children can benefit from having pets? Our animal companions can teach children about friendship and empathy, and are often a source of comfort for them in hard times. Having pets can also reduce your little one’s risk of developing certain allergies.

Starter Pets

Adopting a pet is a lifetime commitment. It’s unfortunately all too common for little children to beg for pets, and then lose interest in them. Make sure that you are willing to take over the pet’s care if that happens.

Popular Choices

As you may know, gerbils, hamsters, mice, and Guinea pigs are all popular choices for children’s pets. Goldfish are also popular. Of course, while these ‘starter pets’ don’t need as much attention as a cat or dog, they do need proper care. Every day, you or your child will need to remove your pet’s waste and give them fresh food and water. Your furry buddy’s cage (or tank) will also need to be cleaned more thoroughly every week or so. Specific care instructions vary from pet to pet, so ask your vet for more information.

Tips

Once you’ve decided to get a pet, be sure to do plenty of research, so you know what kind of care your tiny friend will need. Always supervise your child when he or she is playing with their animal companion. We recommend having your child sit down when handling their pet. That way, if the little furball accidentally gets dropped, he won’t fall very far.

Do you have questions or concerns about your pet’s health or care? Contact us, your local Fort Collins, CO vet clinic!